Car-coupling



(No Model.)

A. H. HOPKINS.

CAR COUPLING.

No. 495,889. Patented Apr. 18, I893.-

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

AMOS H. HOPKINS, or GOSHEN, INDIANA.

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 495,889, dated April 18, 1893.

Application filed January 21, 1893. Serial No. 459,190. (No model.)

To all whom it may concernr Be it known that LAMOS H. HOPKINS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Goshen, in the county of Elkhart and State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Oar-Couplings, which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which- I Figure l is a longitudinal vertical section of my improved car-coupling; Fig. 2, a perspective view of the weight or counter-poise which swings vertically within the draw-head; Fig. 3, a detail view of the coupling bar or link in engagement with the locking tumbler, and Fig. 4, an end view of a railway car provided with my improved uncoupling appliance.

My invention pertains to improvements in car-couplings and its object is to provide a novel, reliable and durable device combining exceptional strength, simplicity and efficiency with absolute certainty of operation.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, 1 designates the draw-head which is open at the bottom and rear end, the sides, top and front being integral. A solid rectangular metal block 2, which serves as a weight or counterpoise, swings vertically within the walls of the draw-head on a pivot 3 and is provided in front with jaws 4.. The end of the lower jaw is beveled underneath, and when the coupling is not in engagement, rests upon the beveled rear side of the lower jaw of the draw-head. When the coupling bar or link 5 is introduced, its tapered end engages the upper jaw of the counterpoise and holds it in suspense. The link is at the same time locked by the tumbler 6 and its free end is held in horizontal position in readiness to enter the draw-head of another car. The coupling bar is made of suitable metal having tapered ends resembling the upturned toe of a shoe. The space between the hooks is flat, the under corners are rounded, and the transverse faces of the hooks are curved. Bearing in mind these details of construction, it will be understood that in the event of a derailment of the locomotive or any part of a train of cars, the coupling-bar will be turned on edge and release the tumbler. The other cars being thus detached will remain on the track. The tumbler swings on a pivot 7 and is made of solid metal in order to resist any strain to which it may be subjected. Its upper edge is rounded and securely seated in the upper jaw of the draw-head. It is elevated by a chain 8 which extends to the under side of a bellshaped cap 9. The aperture through which this chain passes is surrounded by a rim l0, integral with the draw-head. This rim engages the cap and prevents the admission of rain, snow or other foreign matter which would cause corrosion or otherwise impede the free action of the coupler.

The coupler is operated by a rocking shaft 11 which is journaled on the end of the car and provided with a horizontally extending arm 12. A chain 13 connects this arm to the locking tumbler 6. Levers let are attached to the shaft and have on their outer ends weights 15 of sufficient gravity to hold them in position when thrown on either side. By this means, the levers serve as signals and trainmen observing their positions can see at a glance, whether the couplings are engaged or otherwise.

If it be desired to make a coupling with an ordinary link and pin, an aperture 15 is provided for that purpose. The draw-head is prevented from moving too far to the rear by an integral lug 16.

It will be observed that there are no weak points or springs to be found in this device. The parts are few in number, exceedingly simple and easily constructed, and their operation is governed solely by the constant and unvarying force of gravity.

What I claim as new is- In a car-coupling device, the combination with a railway car of the herein described draw-head having a rectangular cavity in' the rear, the weight or counterpoise adapted to swing vertically in said cavity, the coupling bar or link constructed as described and adjustably held in position by the counterpoise, the locking tumbler adapted to engage the coupling bar and the rocking shaft provided with means as shown whereby the couplings may be united or disengaged.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand, this 30th day of December, 1892, in the presence of witnesses.

AMOS I-I. HOPKINS.

Witnesses:

H. 0. WILSON, M. L. BUTTERFIELD. 

